Myracle Andrews, 5, is a VPK student with Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. Her mother Precious Smith is delighted with the positive changes she’s witnessed in her daughter’s development since she began with the program last September.

“She has improved a lot at Easterseals,” said Precious, adding that before Easterseals, Myracle was attending a VPK program her little girl wasn’t keeping pace with.

Today, only months into Easterseals’ VPK program, Myracle has grown by leaps and bounds in her verbal communication skills, in particular, improving greatly with using sentences, using more verbs and nouns, and expressing feelings.

“She’s learning to express herself now and that’s a good thing; she never did that before,” said Precious. “She can say, ‘I’m angry,’ or ‘I’m upset,’ and explain why.”

At home, Precious reinforces classroom learning by also teaching Myracle things her daughter will need to know for kindergarten, including learning and drawing shapes, coloring in the lines, and learning to write her name. So far, she’s getting the hang of “M.”

“Those are some of the things we’re working on at home so she’ll be caught up with the class when the time comes,” said Precious.

Myracle has three older brothers and one baby brother. Her mom says she’s a helpful big sister. She’s grown into the role, said Precious, and it’s another positive indicator of her development.

During playtime, Myracle loves to pretend-play cooking in her pint-sized kitchen. She adores her baby dolls and loves dressing up as well.

Precious admits she had reservations about Easterseals before a case worker at her daughter’s former school mentioned that Easterseals VPK may be a good fit for Myracle. She now realizes there was no need for hesitation.“She’s doing things she was not doing before coming here,” said Precious. “At the other school, she wasn’t learning like she is now.”

“I would recommend that any parent who is interested in help for children (who have challenges) like Myracle to looking into Easterseals; it’s a very helpful environment,” she said. “I’ve seen a big change in Myracle since she’s been here. (The children) are learning a lot here and it’s a good atmosphere.”

Added Precious: “They love Myracle. That is the most important thing. She is loved here at Easterseals.”

***Myracle is ready for her big day as a Walk With Me Ambassador on April 26 in Daytona Beach! Join her team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona.